Smoke alarms key to fire prevention

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 3-9, but post safety officials said fire safety is a constant priority.

"We really emphasize safety and prevention during Fire Prevention Week, but it's something that needs to be a year-round concern," Steve Collins, Fort Rucker fire chief, said. "It doesn't matter if it's in the home or at a workplace, fire prevention is essential."

This year's theme for the week-long event is "Smoke Alarms! A sound you can live with." Collins said having a working smoke alarm in all buildings is a first step to preventing possible disaster.

"It's important to have them and to make sure they work," he said. "Checking a smoke alarm at least once a month is a good idea. They usually have a test button on the outside that will let you know if it still works. When the battery is getting low, the detector usually makes a sound to indicate it needs a new one."

Emily Natalio, Picerne Military Housing communications specialist, said Picerne staff performs regular checks on all smoke alarms in the housing areas. However, it is still a good idea for residents to check them as well and report any issues to Picerne.

"Residents can call a neighborhood office and ask for help if a smoke alarm needs a new battery or just needs to be checked," she said. "Sometimes, the alarm might be out of reach or a resident might have trouble getting to it. We're more than happy to come out and make sure it's still working properly."

Natalio added some smoke alarms are louder than others and can be disturbing to some residents.

If this is an issue for any resident, they need to contact Picerne directly about dealing with the issue. Residents are not to disable smoke alarms.

"If there's any problem with the alarm, like noise level, residents should call us and we'll put in a work order to have it checked out," she said. "Having a working smoke alarm is a requirement of military housing."

Collins said the smoke alarm is a time-tested, proven life-saving device no home or business should be without.

"When an alarm goes off, people should react accordingly," Collins said. "The device gives plenty of warning and that has saved numerous lives over the years."

The post fire department conducts a variety of activities in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, including several events at local schools, Collins said.

Personnel from the Fire Prevention office here will deliver fire prevention and fire training packets to Fort Rucker Primary and Elementary Schools Sept. 29 to assist teachers in developing their own fire prevention program.

Fire Prevention Inspectors "Sparky" and "Smokey Bear" will visit the post elementary school to give a fire prevention presentation Oct. 8 at 1:15 p.m.

Other fire prevention events will take place at the Post Exchange throughout the week, including the "Little People Fire Escape House" Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children to practice leaving a burning house.